Ardbeg Grooves Plays to Experimental Scotch Whisky Tune

The Ardbeg distillery in recent times has been taking something of a more experimental nature with its annual Ardbeg day bottlings, as we saw last year with the Ardbeg Kelpie release that was aged in virgin Black Sea oak casks  crafted from wood grown in the Adyghe Republic, a part of Russia. For this year we are now looking at Grooves, a non-age statement offering with a unique wine cask footprint.

Ardbeg Grooves, according to those behind it, is partially matured in ex-red wine casks that have been “intensely charred” to form heavy grooves in the surface of the wood. This is said to help influence the Scotch into showcasing more intense flavors that make it aromatic with “smoked spices, distant bonfires and chilli-seasoned meats.”

Grooves is already out in retail markets globally, bottled at 46% ABV and pricing £98, or about $130 USD. You’ll find official tasting notes for this reddish/orange hue Scotch whisky below for your consideration.

• Nose: Intense aromas of smoked cinnamon and paprika, antique leather and saddle soap, with classic Ardbeg scents of pine resin, tar and briny sea spray in the background. A distant hint of a fragrant bonfire by the shores of the distillery and, finally, an unusual savoury note, like chilli-seasoned meats. A little splash of water releases some beautiful, unexpected aromas: lavender scented soap, ground white pepper, floral and herbal notes entwined. Fresh flowers mix with coriander leaves and mint.
• Taste: A powerfully salty mouthfeel drifts into sweet vibes of treacle toffee, vanilla popcorn, salted fruits with soot and tar. Again, those distinctive savoury notes of smoky BBQ, paprika and mustard spice, fading into an unexpected haze of smoked pears and apples, almost like pear cider.
• Finish: Smoked paprika and bonfires with a mellow sweetness throughout.